New Biomethane Double Decker Bus Arrives in Eastern England

(Scania/NGV Journal) Ipswich Buses has joined forces with Scania to bring a biogas-powered double decker to the streets of Ipswich. The state-of-the-art vehicle started the 6-week trial in June and will operate on Route 5, which runs from Ipswich Town centre (Tower Ramparts) to the Ipswich Hospital and operates approximately every 12 minutes. The bus was also available to promote the 2018 UK Clean Air Day (21 June) and Catch the Bus week (2-7 July).

The bus has been developed by Scania in partnership with UK bodybuilder Alexander Dennis, and with emissions of carbon dioxide reduced by up to 84%, the vehicle can operate on biogas created from waste products such as household food waste or waste water. During the trial, temporary natural gas refueling infrastructure will be provided to Ipswich Buses by Roadgas, a key UK supplier of CNG infrastructure.

Danielle Devonish, Marketing Manager at Ipswich Buses, said: “We are delighted to be given the chance to trial the biogas-powered bus. We believe biogas is a strong contender on how buses will be powered in the future. There has been a big interest with our passengers and members of the general public on how the bus is powered and what impact it will have on the environment.”

Tanya Neech, Sustainable Solutions Manager for Scania (Great Britain) Limited, commented: “Our biogas double deck bus has been independently tested and is accredited under the Low Emission Bus Scheme.”

Based on a Scania N 280 UD4x2EB, the natural gas-powered Scania/ADL Enviro 400 double deck bus features Scania’s OC09 101 nine-liter, five-cylinder, Euro 6 dedicated natural gas engine driving through a ZF EcoLife six-speed fully automatic gearbox incorporating ZF’s Topodyn automated gear selection program, which is fitted as standard. The OC09 101 develops 280 horsepower (206kW) at 1,900rpm and 1,350Nm torque at 1,000-1,400 rpm and is capable of operating on CNG or biogas. READ MORE